The Biotechnology & Bioscience Scientific Research Council (BBSRC) has granted "responsive mode" status to Kent-based East Malling Research (EMR).This means that it can bid for research funding as an "independent research organisation" on any BBSRC topics alongside researchers from other higher-education or research council institutes.
Will Sibley, chairman of East Malling Trust, said: "We are confident EMR will now play a greater role in delivering the nation's scientific priorities and supporting the industry's commercial success."
- EMR is due to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds of Defra funding next year, not £100,000 as stated in the Will Sibley profile (HW, 22 October).